Hiva Oa, Marquesas

View from Gauguin's Grave over Hiva Oa

 Hiva Oa is where we checked in to French Polynesia.  Due to the fact that I have South African Passport I had to pay a bond of 1800 US Dollars to the Authorities in order to cruise these islands.  This applies to anyone who doesn't have a EU Passport.  Normally I would pay 2600 US Dollars but luckily I have a US Visa so they let me pay only 1800 after some sweet talking.  Chris and the kids have EU Passports.  

Also the law has recently changed so one needs to apply for a Visa for French Polynesia before sailing here, which I didn't do.  Again I had a 5 years Schengen visa issued by the French consulate in SA and with a very helpful official I managed to overcome my lack of French Polynesia visa with some more sweet talking.

So, here we visited the grave of Paul Gauguin as well as his home and cultural centre dedicated to his life and works.  He spent the last two years of his life here.

Rourke, Layla and Sky.  Gauguin's Polynesian woman.

Sascha and Sky in front of Gauguin's island residence

Seeing that we would not budge on our negative answer to Rourke getting a Polynesian tatoo he decided to get his ear pierced. ( At least this can grow closed again.) 

 Skyla bravely pierced his ear with one of Chris' sail repair needles and now Rourke at least feels he blends in with all the islanders here who from young also have their ears pierced.  He is now looking for a bone earring!

Rourke having his ear pierced by Sky

Polynesian Kayak

T R I B E anchored in Hiva Oa

Some breathtaking islands coming up...